Stock Market & Financial Investment News

Google's stock split to occur on April 3, WSJ reportsGoogle's 2-1 stock split that was announced nearly two years ago will finally occur on April 3, the Wall Street Journal reports. The "Class C" shares will be issued to shareholders of record March 27. The shares have no voting rights and Google will isue these shares for compensation and acquisitions. Reference Link

YouTube confirms launch of kids app Google's (GOOG, GOOGL) YouTube confirmed its launch of the YouTube Kids app, "the first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind," which the company said makes it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore. The app is now available for free on Google Play and the App Store in the U.S. Reference Link

FDA authorizes 23andMe to market genetic testing for Bloom SyndromeThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday authorized for marketing Google-backed 23andMe’s Bloom Syndrome carrier test, a direct-to-consumer genetic test to determine whether a healthy person has a variant in a gene that could lead to their offspring inheriting the serious disorder. Along with this authorization, the FDA is also classifying carrier screening tests as class II. In addition, the FDA intends to exempt these devices from FDA premarket review. The agency plans to issue a notice that announces the intent to exempt these tests and that provides a 30-day period for public comment.

YouTube to release stand-alone app for kids, WSJ saysGoogle's YouTube is planning to release a smartphone and tablet app for kids featuring original episodes of television shows including "Thomas the Tank Engine" and "Sesame Street," as well as content from existing YouTube kids channels, reports the Wall Street Journal, citing a person familiar with the matter. The app -- slated for an official reveal Monday at the Kidscreen Summit -- will initially only be available for Android devices. The source said the inclusion of ads is "under discussion." Reference Link

AT&T to match Google Fiber speed, pricing in Kansas City area, KC Star saysAT&T (T) announced on Sunday that it would offer Internet service in Kansas City and several of itssuburbs, with the same speed and pricing as Internet service provided by Google's Google Fiber service in the region, according to The Kansas City Star. Reference Link